Oatmeal Shampoo

Great for Dogs – Good For Humans?

If you're a dog owner, it's very likely you are familiar with and have used oatmeal shampoo on your favorite canine and pet. It's benefits are widely known and have proven effective - especially for pets plagued with chronic skin problems - including shedding and habitual scratching. Well...if it's so good for the dogs, is it good for humans?

Dog owners are familiar with oatmeal shampoos but not everyone realizes that these products can be beneficial for humans as well. One of the main reasons that oatmeal is used in dog shampoos is that it can effectively relieve itching skin and is great for overall skin health.

Oats contain phenols and avenanthramides which are chemicals that can help relieve skin irritation and itching. It can also help balance the pH levels of the skin which can help with symptoms of conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

In dogs, oatmeal shampoo can also moisturize the itchy skin and relieve tick and flea irritations. Likewise, the tissue soothing effects - especially when combined with other ingredients such as emu oil or aloe, can cal itchiness, reduce flaking, and chronic irritation and inflammation. With the exception of adjustments in pH, these benefits derive directly to people/humans as well!

Benefits of Eating Oatmeal

Although oatmeal is frequently applied topically to dogs, most humans opt to get its benefits by eating it. In terms of overall health, eating oatmeal can fill you up more easily because of its high fiber content and it can also lower cholesterol levels. The fiber helps resolve and prevent digestive problems.

In addition, oatmeal contains other nutrients including zinc, selenium, iron and vitamins E and B. These can nourish the body, boost immunity and improve memory. Some people have even found that eating oatmeal can clear up acne and help the hair remain healthy.

Topically Applying Oatmeal

While eating oatmeal provides some benefits in regards to hair health, the largest benefits are seen when it is applied topically in the form of an oatmeal shampoo for humans. When you use these products, you will notice some of the same benefits that dogs see including soothing the scalp and reducing itching. This is due to the same reason: the anti-inflammatory phenols found in oatmeal. Oats are a natural moisturizer and because of this, their inclusion in shampoo is an excellent way to eliminate dryness and itching, creating coats that are shiny and soft.

Because of its moisturizing properties, it may help reduce dandruff. Its properties as a natural cleanser allow it to remove excess dirt, oil and sebum that accumulate on the scalp. By cleaning the scalp, oatmeal shampoo can also provide access to hair follicles. This in turn gives them the opportunity to get needed nutrients and encourages the hair follicles to produce new growth.

Dog Shampoo vs. Human Shampoo

Oatmeal shampoo is just as effective on humans as on dogs but that doesn’t mean that you should use an oatmeal shampoo for dogs on your own scalp. It will be fine if it is a completely natural shampoo but some dog shampoos lack ingredients that human hair shafts need. It is also important to avoid using oatmeal shampoos for dogs on yourself because the natural pH balance of dogs is 7.5 whereas our skin is 5.5. This means that products designed for canines will focus on maintaining a pH that could be harmful to the scalp and hair of humans.

How to Make and Use Oatmeal Shampoo

Using oatmeal shampoo is straightforward as it is generally used the same way as any other shampoo. Despite this, it is also common to find dry oatmeal shampoos for humans and these do not require water, making them a bit different. You can even make your own dry oatmeal shampoo by combining a cup each of finely blended oatmeal and one cup of baking soda.

If you're not into making your own shampoo, consider several brands that give the same or similar benefits. As mentioned, emu oil and Emu Shampoo have similar soothing and rejuvenating effects on the scalp and leave hair shiny and full-bodied. For itchiness, irritations, redness and soreness, fungi may be an issue. Consider HHP's Antifungal shampoo for humans that not only helps improve scalp help, but attacks fungi and microbes.

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**The text contained in this web site is for informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician, dermatologist or medical professional. The information contained herein is not intended for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Information and statements regarding cosmetic grade products are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Customers' reviews/testimonials may be provided for information purposes related to the effectiveness of Healthy Hair Plus products, however, results vary from person to person.